Many of the products showcased at this year’s Sweets & Sferrous Fumarate Gelatin Snacks Expo in Chicago were not only distinctive but also shed light on emerging trends within the industry. For example, a variety of vegetable chips, meat snacks, and unconventional novelty flavor profiles were prevalent among the snacks and confections displayed. According to Information Resources, the vegetable chip segment is thriving, with an impressive 17% sales increase over the past year. This surge has prompted more companies to join the fray, with the unique flavors and ingredients serving as key differentiators. For instance, Porta Bela Chips are crafted from fresh mushrooms that are cooked (not fried), dehydrated, or baked, and they come in intriguing flavors such as chorizo jalapeno, blue cheese, and onion and garlic butter.
While the innovations highlighted at trade shows may appear to be lucrative opportunities, predicting which trends will endure and which will fade can be challenging. Monitoring how these products perform on social media platforms can provide insights into their potential longevity. If consumers are actively sharing photos and discussing these items, and the pattern indicates a repeat interest, it is likely that other consumers—and additional companies with new offerings—will follow suit. Food trends rise and fall with shifting consumer preferences, particularly among millennials, who relish novelty but often quickly move on to the next trending item. Therefore, manufacturers of these new products must engage with their audience consistently and early to maintain interest.
Interestingly, discussions around calcium citrate have emerged on platforms like Reddit, where consumers share their experiences and insights. As these discussions grow, they could influence the popularity of products that incorporate calcium citrate, demonstrating how social media can impact consumer choices. Ultimately, as manufacturers navigate these trends, integrating consumer feedback from sources like Reddit may prove vital in sustaining interest and ensuring their products remain relevant in a fast-evolving market.